[Genealib] Declining use of collection

[Rhonda Stoffer]

We have seen an increase here at Marion. I've been head of the
department since March 2001. According to statistics from Jan 2001 to
the present, we have increased visitors every year except 2004, when we
were down very slightly. This year so far we have been above our monthly
average of visitors every month except November. So far we are 10% above
last years numbers, even without counting December visitors. We do
little outside advertising, I speak at a couple community groups a year
when asked, and we try to do 2 beginning genealogy classes a year, which
are well attended. Most of our increase comes from word of mouth. The
staff in the Indiana Room provides fantastic service to patrons. We are
constantly being told that we are friendly, helpful and that we have
wonderful resources, not just on Grant county, but surrounding counties.
Patrons tell us that when they go to other libraries, staff there are
not helpful, some libraries have all the books locked up and staff do
not want to be bothered to get books out for them. We try to be very
user friendly and are very successful. We once had a elderly couple
drive here from over 100 miles south of us because someone told them to
go to Marion, they will help you there. We provide email, phone and mail
queries and those are increasing. We have increased our number of
volunteers and they are very busy helping us to complete indexes. 
 

Rhonda Stoffer 
Head of Indiana History and Genealogy Services 
Marion Public Library 

 

________________________________

From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Mary Van
Orsdol
Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 6:42 PM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] Declining use of collection


Over the past 5 years, we have seen a decline in the number of
researchers who come in to use the Carlsbad City (CA) Library Genealogy
Collection. I would like to know if other genealogy departments have
seen declines in usage. And, I would like to know about programs,
publicity, or other efforts taken to increase usage.
 
Thank you.
 
Mary Van Orsdol
Genealogy Librarian
Carlsbad City Library
1250 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 434-2930
mvano at ci.carlsbad.ca.us
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